Ending Felony Disenfranchisement
The story of American democracy is often told as the steady expansion of voting rights, but history has not yet caught up with one group: people with past felony convictions. Citizens with felony convictions are prohibited from voting, either permanently or temporarily, in all but two states.
This means that an estimated 5.8 million Americans are prevented from participating in American democracy. These are disproportionately Americans of color, from the very disenfranchised communities that most need to have a voice in the democratic process.
Fair and consistent felony re-enfranchisement laws can contribute to the rehabilitation process, reduce the harmful impact of disenfranchisement on low-income and minority communities, and foster a sense of community for those who feel disconnected and unfairly excluded from civic participation. Priority must be given to developing a nationwide policy that allows for reinstatement of voting rights, and educating former offenders regarding restoration procedures.
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Demos and Project Vote team with Hogan Lovells to Help Prevent Unlawful Voter Purge in Philadelphia
Project Vote and partners filed an amicus brief, to help stop an illegal purge of Philadelphia voters with past felony convictions. Read more
Both Lawmakers and Citizens Push for Voting Reforms Before 2016 Election
In 2015, nonpartisan voting rights group Project Vote monitored 315 bills, introduced by state and federal lawmakers, that could change the way people vote in 2016 and beyond. Read more
Voting Rights Proposals Could Affect 2016 Elections
Since January, lawmakers on the state and federal levels have introduced over 180 bills that would change state and federal voting laws. Read more
Voter Empowerment Act would Improve Elections for Both Voters and Officials
Today, the Voter Empowerment Act (VEA) was introduced in the House of Representatives. Estelle Rogers, legislative director for Project Vote, issued the following statement in support of this important legislation. Read more
Minnesota Lawmakers Inch Forward on Voting Rights But More Work Needs to be Done, say Voting Rights Groups
The Minnesota House passed modest reforms to Minnesota’s election systems, but civil and voting rights advocates caution that more work is necessary. Read more
It is Harder to Vote in America than it was in 2008
Voting has become more difficult in the last four years, says a new report from the nonprofit voting rights organization Project Vote. Read more
Voting rights are still under attack in 2012, but voting rights advocates see some signs of hope
The first month of this election year has already seen a concerted and coordinated movement to roll back voting rights across the country. These legislative trends, which could have a powerful impact on turnout in the 2012 election and beyond, are summarized in a new report released Monday from Project Vote. Read more